Wireless set-top unit and related methods

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a set-top box capable of delivering television, internet service, video phone service, video-on-demand, and other media services to a consumer. One portion of the set-top box interacts with a CDMA network for the purpose of receiving wireless internet, video-on-demand, videophone and other IP services. Another portion of the device is satellite-enabled. The satellite portion of the device enables the user to also receive satellite service. Because the set-top box works to receive satellite programming and wireless CDMA network communications, it is not terrestrially-bound. This means it is not bound to be included within a cable, telephone, or other wired circuit network.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/613,860, filed Nov. 6, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/812,299, filed Mar. 29, 2004 and issued Jan. 12,2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,647,612, which are all entirely incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Recently, there is increased demand for the delivery of internet serviceand video-on-demand to areas inaccessible to cable users. Theseparticular users also tend to prefer satellite audio/video serviceproviders. Presently, however, there is no one delivering a combinationof services equivalent to those available to individuals which areincludable within a cable or other physically wired service provider.

Satellite television is nothing new. Satellite television is a lot liketraditional broadcast television. It's a wireless system which deliverstelevision programming directly to the user's residence. Satelliteservice is delivered through radio waves.

Satellite broadcasters use powerful antennas to transmit these radiowaves to the vast surrounding areas. Users then receive the signal witha much smaller antenna. Both the sending and receiving antennas aretypically in a dish shape and will be well known to those skilled in theart. This initial signal transmission is referred to as an “up-link.” Asatellite is used because the sending antenna transmits the up-linkradio waves in essentially a straight line. The signal must be deliveredupward, rather than along the horizon, because of two reasons. The firstreason is because of obstacles, such as buildings, trees, inter alia.These obstacles will interfere/block the signal before it gets to theuser. The second reason is because of the spherical nature of the earth.Because the earth is a sphere, the horizontal delivery of a linear-radiosignal will move tangentially away from the earth into space—away fromany targets on the earth's surface. Thus, it is necessary for the signalto be delivered upward, and bounced off of something. After it isbounced, the signal is directed back down to receiving antennas owned bysatellite-subscribing residences. The transmission downward after thebounce is commonly referred to as the “down-link.”

Nowadays, satellite broadcasts are almost completely digital. The sameup-link/down-link principles referred to above also apply to digitalsatellite setups. These digital arrangements typically provide greatpicture and sound quality. The signal is generated by the streaming ofdata files. The most common form of this type of file is what is knownas an MPEG. MPEG stands for Movie Pictures Experts Group. MPEG'scomprise video recorded digitally which is converted into digital bitsand compressed. These files may come in a variety of versions, e.g.,MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-3, and MPEG-4.

Once a satellite signal is received by the antenna/dish at a customer'sresidence, the signal is transferred to a receiver inside the viewer'shouse. The receiver is the end component in the satellite/TV system. Ittakes the digital MPEG signal and converts it to analog. Analog formatis recognized by a decoder in a standard television which then displaysthe video content. Thus, the digital MPEG is able to be recognized anddisplayed on the television. The receiver may also engage indescrambling of encrypted signals, recording billing information, andsome even have built in video recorders which enable the pausing orrecording of live television by recording it in memory or on a harddrive for the consumer's convenience.

In-residence receivers like this are typically contained within what iscommonly referred to as a set-top box. Unfortunately, these conventionalsatellite set-top boxes are unable to obtain video-on-demand, or otherIP-supported features such as internet services. Because of this theconsumer is not able to surf the net on their television Likewise, theycannot answer emails or engage in video phone conferencing. Otherexamples are too numerous to mention here.

Satellite providers are unable to fulfill these requirements because ofthe lack of the lack of up-link capabilities back to the satellite fromthe consumer. For the use of the there must be interfacing between theconsumer and the IP network. The conventional satellite arrangement cannot accomplish this because there is only a down-link to the consumersset-top box. The consumer is unable to talk back to the provider, so tospeak.

It is known in the art to use a satellite for interactive purposes,wherein the satellite is engaged in sending and receiving data from aprovider to an end user. For example, phone services have been providedin which the user is afforded an up-link to the satellite enablingbilateral communications with a consumer. SATPhones are an example ofthis. These types of services, however, are excessivelyexpensive—typically as much as $10 per minute. These exorbitant costspreclude the typical satellite provider from giving consumers bilateralaccess to a satellite simply for the purpose of IP access. Therefore,this course has not been pursued by satellite programming providers.

Wired-IP networking has been used to provide video-on-demand to cablesubscribers. This is done by the cable service provider by maintaining avideo-server farm. On the server farm are multiple instances of the sameMPEG file, e.g. movies. On the same or other server farms there will bemultiple versions of other movies—things that the consumer will want tosee at their leisure on a schedule of their choosing. With this type ofarrangement the cable provider transmits MPEGs, on demand, to a user ina residence through the existing cable system which is already in place.The video may be either streamed or downloaded into a cable box providedto the end user. Usually the later.

The data will be transferred as follows. First, the version will bedrawn out of the server farm and transmitted into an IP network, e.g.the internet. From there, it will be transmitted to the consumer'sset-top box, which includes a microcomputer. The MPEG is then downloadedand stored in a memory component of the microcomputer. In this manner,the user may watch the movie at that instance or save it for later atsome desired time period.

One problem with these prior art video-on-demand systems is that theyare terrestrially-bound. By this, it is meant that there must be aphysical cable or other kind of physical connection (e.g., fiber opticcable, existing phone lines) run over the ground to the consumer. Therequirements for a physical connection are sometimes too much. Oftentimes, cable services will not be able to reach rural areas, because todo so is economically unfeasible. These more remote places are typicallythe areas in which satellite is most popular. For example, it's commonwhen driving in the country to see house after house with satellitereceiving antenna dishes. This is typically because these consumers areunable to obtain cable service. As a result, they are faced withsatellite as their only option for obtaining good quality reception ofnumerous programming options (e.g., many channels) for their viewingpleasure.

These consumers, however, have conventionally missed out on theIP-connection benefits afforded to cable subscribers. Cable serviceshave begun to offer phone and internet service in addition to televisionprogramming to providers. Satellite subscribers have missed out on thisopportunity because of their lack of connectivity.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a system that provides all theabove-described benefits existent in an in-home wired arrangement which,however, is not terrestrially-bound like the prior art systems.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a systemfor and a method of providing satellite, video-on-demand, internetservices, video telephony, and other media-related features to theconsumer without the drawbacks present in the prior art. This isaccomplished by providing a system for and method of transmitting videoprogramming using a satellite while at the same time offering IPservices, including on-demand video programming over a wireless networkconnection.

The set-top box of the present invention incorporates a plurality ofwireless components. First, the consumer's set-top box includes asatellite signal receiver. This enables the consumer to view programmingvia satellite.

Also located in the same set-top box is equipment necessary in order forthe consumer to connect to a CDMA network, to enable IP access via awireless signal. This wireless signal is accessed by an air card whichenables the user to receive telephone service, video-on-demand, internetand other IP-type services remotely.

The result is a set-top box that provides all the benefits of satellitealong with all the benefits of an IP connection without beingterrestrially-bound.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to theattached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the system of the present inventions including its manysupporting components;

FIG. 2 discloses the set-top box of the present invention along with itsaccessories; and

FIG. 3 shows the set-top box of the present invention in more detail andincludes it's internal components and interfacing arrangements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the description of the present invention, several acronymsand shorthand notations are used to aid the understanding of certainconcepts pertaining to the associated system and services. Theseacronyms and shorthand notations are solely intended for the purpose ofproviding an easy methodology of communicating the ideas expressedherein and are in no way meant to limit the scope of the presentinvention.

Further, various technical terms are used throughout this description. Adefinition for most of these terms can be found in Newton's TelecomDictionary by H. Newton, 19th Edition (2003). These definitions areintended to provide a clearer understanding of the ideas disclosedherein but are in no way intended to limit the scope of the presentinvention. The definitions and terms should be interpreted broadly andliberally to the extent allowed the meaning of the words offered in theabove-cited reference.

Network switches, routers, and related components are conventional innature, as are means of communicating with the same. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable media comprise computer-storagemedia and communications media.

Computer-storage media, or machine-readable media, include mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storing information. Thecomputer-storage media is non-transitory, even though it may storetransitory data. Examples of stored information include computer-useableinstructions, data structures, program modules, and other datarepresentations. Computer-storage media include, but are not limited toRAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM,digital versatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical discstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, andother magnetic storage devices. These memory components can store datamomentarily, temporarily, or permanently.

The system of the present invention overcomes the deficiencies in theprior art systems by combining satellite components along with wirelesscomponents in the same set-top box which is maintained in the residence.

With respect to it's wireless side, the box includes a slot whichreceives what is known in the art as a PCMCIA (Personal Computer MemoryCard International Association) Type-II card. PCMCIA Type-II cards arealso commonly referred to as “aircards,” and are well-known in the art.They are essentially wireless modems used to send and receive wirelesssignals. They typically use a pin-connector system and are thus,removable. They are most commonly used with laptops or handheld devices.

The PCMCIA Type-II device also includes an antenna through which thedigital sending and receiving takes place. In the preferred embodimentof the invention, the wireless networking is done in a Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) wireless network. This enables the user toreceive voice override to IP along with video-on-demand and otherrelated IP features without the need of running a terrestrial line tothe house.

With respect to the satellite side of the set-top box, the box of thepresent invention is also equipped with a satellite receiver. Thisreceiver is capable of receiving a digital satellite signal. It worksalong with other associated equipment. The other equipment may include avideo card and a scan converter.

The set-top box of the present invention also includes the use of asecond wireless network that enables PC interfacing between the box anda keyboard, camera with microphone, and a mouse.

The combination of satellite and wireless technologies creates anentirely non-terrestrial arrangement which is able to competehead-to-head with traditional cable service providers. Additionally, itenables satellite users to obtain the same services conventionallyavailable only to cable customers. This might be most useful tocustomers in remote areas in which wireless arrangements are morepractical.

The system of the present invention is shown in detail in FIGS. 1through 3. Referring first to FIG. 1, the set-top box of the presentinvention may be seen in its working environment, as system 10. Includedin the system 10 is a CDMA network along with its support facilities 11.

A CDMA network is a digital, spread spectrum access technique which ispacket based. It is usually used along with RF radio systems. Because itis in digital format, data transmitted over a CDMA network can becompressed to reduce the number of bits transmitted. This makes moreefficient use of the limited RF spectrum. Each transmission includes astream of data packets. Each stream is assigned a ten bit code sequence.The code is included in the front of each packet in the packet stream.This enables receivers to separate that specific transmission from otherinternet noise or other noise that may be present on the particular RFchannel. This enables different packets associated with differentconversations or video content to be shared in the same spectrum. Thus,there can be overlap in frequency and time without the creation ofinterference.

The CDMA support facilities 11 include a transceiver tower 12, a packetnetwork switch 14, a router 16, and an ATM networking device 18.Transceiver tower 12 is used to send and receive wireless microwaveradio frequencies which will be accessed by users of the CDMA network.Packet network switch 14 is used to switch traffic at the core of anIP/MLS network core 20 in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

Router 16 is used to handle the more complex traffic at the periphery ofthe IP/MLS network core 20. ATM networking device 18 serves to supportthe ATM protocol functions necessary for the support of the CDMAnetwork.

System 10 also includes a satellite service providing system 22.Included in satellite service providing system 22 is a satellitetransmitting device 24. Satellite transmitting device 24 is a satellitesignal transmitting dish. The provider will be located at a particularprovider location 26, e.g., Kansas City. Satellite transmitting device24 will be used to deliver satellite programming in the traditionalsense.

Also at provider location 26, however, is a server farm 28, which issimply one or more video servers. Unlike the satellite providers of thepast, satellite service providing system 22 uses a server farm 28 todeliver video-on-demand services to its customers. Server farm 28 isshown in FIG. 1 to be in the same location as satellite transmittingdevice 24. It could instead be located at some remote location, however.Server farm 28 is simply one or a group of video servers.

Video servers are heavy duty computing devices that are well known inthe art. They are typically capable of storing hundreds, or eventhousands of movies which are viewable by subscribers at any timedesired. They usually have a number of large hard drives. These havebeen used by cable and phone service providers in the past to providevideo on demand to customers.

As used in the system 10 of the present invention, these serversmaintain the numerous MPEG's for video on demand which will be deliveredto customers. This is done by transmitting a digital signal into anIP/MLS network core 20 by way of an internet connection 30, or othermeans.

On the other satellite side of the satellite service providing system22, satellite programming will be transmitted from a satellitetransmitting device 24 in an uplink signal 31. Uplink signal 31 willthen be bounced off a satellite 32 in a manner known to those skilled inthe art. Once uplink signal 31 is bounced off satellite 32 it willrebound off in a downlink signal 33. Downlink signal 33 may be receivedby any number of subscribers.

These subscribers will have purchased or otherwise acquired a receivingsatellite dish like receiving antenna 60 in FIG. 3. These users will aimtheir receiving dishes at satellite 32 in order to receive videocontent.

The present invention also includes a set-top box 34. The set-top box 34of the present invention is adapted to receive both satellite and CDMAwireless communications. Referring to FIG. 1 this means set-top box 34will be adapted to receive downlink signal 33 as well as CDMA signal 35.Because it is satellite and CDMA equipped, set-top box 34 may be locatedanywhere these signals may be received (almost anywhere) and does nothave any “terrestrial” requirements. In other words, it does not need awired/physical connection in order to deliver the excellent broadcastprogramming and pay-per-view options available via satellite, but willalso provide the benefits of internet, phone, video-on-demand, and otherIP-based services.

Possible accessories that might be used with set-top box 34 are shown inFIG. 2 as set-top box system 40. First, set-top box 34 will normally bephysically connected to a television 42 in order to display audio/visualcontent such as broadcasts, movies, video conferencing, internetsurfing, and other transmissions. Other than a power cord (not shown),television 42 is the only device which will be connected physically(wired) to set-top box 34. It is of course possible, however, that otherdevices or the devices shown in FIG. 2 could also be physicallyconnected and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Inthe FIG. 2 preferred embodiment, however, they are not.

Internally, set-top box 34 includes a microcomputer 87 and a PCinterface 93 (not shown in FIG. 2, see FIG. 3). PC interface 93 enablesinterfacing via a signal with a keyboard 48, a mouse 50, and a camera 44remotely as shown in FIG. 2. This remote interfacing with themicrocomputer 87 in set-top box 34 may be accomplished in a number ofways. Here, this is done by employing a WiFi arrangement. These types ofshort range networking arrangements are well known, and will be withinthe knowledge of one skilled in the art. A WiFi card may be installed inset-top box 34. It communicates with the microcomputer 87 inside andfunctions in a manner which will be known to one skilled in the art.Such arrangements are available over the counter and are readilyavailable.

Mouse 50 and keyboard 48 may be used to perform computing functions.With the disclosed arrangement, television 42 serves in the same fashionas a computer monitor, displaying prompts, text, and graphics.

Because of the system's wireless WiFi capabilities, the user may bepositioned anywhere in the room in which the television 42 exists(possibly anywhere in the residence) and will not be constrained by anytype of physical connection (e.g., wiring).

Camera 44 will be used for video conferencing and other functions knownto those skilled in the art. By directing camera 44 at a user, the usermay conduct video conferencing by speaking into or close to a microphone45 on said camera 44. It may be preferable, however, to use a wirelessheadset (such as a Bluetooth® wireless headset arrangement which wouldwork in conjunction with the wireless mouse 50 and keyboard 48 in amanner known to those skilled in the art). Either wireless conferencingarrangement will enable said user to communicate in real time with otherpersons who have the same set-top box 34 in their residence as will bediscussed hereinafter.

FIG. 3 shows more specifics regarding the set-top box 34 of the presentinvention. As already discussed, set-top box 34 has both satellite andwireless features.

We will first discuss the satellite features. Satellite downlink signal33 is received by a receiving antenna 60 usually installed somewhere onthe user's residence. Usually this type of antenna is dish shaped.Dishes like receiving antenna 60 are commercially available and oftentimes supplied by the service provider for the purpose of receivingsatellite audio/video content as well as live programming. The parabolicshape of the dish focuses the satellite downlink signal 33 into a hornwhich will be used to transmit the signal through a conduit into theresidence. Through this conduit, a digital signal 62 is transmitted to asatellite receiving device 64 within set-top box 34.

Satellite receiving device 64 will process the digital signal 62 andpass it on so that it may be used by a standard television. Satellitereceiving device 64 has four essential functions.

First, it will typically descramble an encrypted signal. Satellitesignals (e.g. downlink signal 33) are typically transmitted in encryptedformat so that other users may not pirate the service from the serviceprovider. Thus, satellite receiving device 64 will likely include adecoder chip provided along with the satellite receiving device 64.

Second, satellite receiving device 64 will convert digital signal 62into an analog signal 65. As you will recall from above, most digitalsignals are in MPEG format. Satellite receiving device 64 will functionto convert this MPEG into an analog NTSC format. Optionally, thereceiving antenna 60 and satellite receiving device 64 arrangement maybe set up to handle an HDTV signal.

Third, satellite receiving device 64 performs an extraction ofindividual channels from the larger satellite signal. In a manner knownto those skilled in the art, the user will select a channel on set-topbox 34. This third functionality of satellite receiving device 64 (whichis well known to those skilled in the art) will take the channelselected and extract it from the bulk digital signal 62.

Fourth, satellite receiving device 64 will likely perform billingfunctions, such as keeping track of any pay-per-view accessed by user inthe residence which will be communicated to service provider so that theconsumer will be charged for the satellite services used. Receivingarrangements such as those disclosed for satellite receiving device 64are well known to those in the satellite television industry and willfall within that which is known to those skilled in the art.

Once digital signal 62 has been descrambled, converted, andappropriately extracted by satellite receiving device 64, a resultinganalog signal 65 will be recognizable by and displayed on a television42. Before reaching television 42 the signal will be incorporated into ajunction 66 and delivered into a cable/television network 68 comprisingat least one television 42. Television 42 may thus be used to viewsatellite broadcasts.

We will now discuss the wireless side of set-top box 34. As mentionedabove, the wireless network used in the preferred embodiment inventionis what is known as a code division multiple access (“CDMA”) network.Other wireless technologies, however, could be used as well. For examplewireless technologies such as time division multiple access (“TDMA”),frequency-division multiple access (“FDMA”), wide band CDMA (“W-CDMA”),global system for mobile communication (“GSM”), or blue tooth could alsobe used and still fall within the parameters of the present invention.CDMA has been used here in the preferred embodiment, however, because itis the best developed to meet the objectives of the present invention.Wireless signaling 35 a will occur between set-top box 34 and atransceiver tower 12 (see FIG. 1). Transceiver tower 12, as you willrecall, is part of the wireless provider's support facilities 11 used tocreate the CDMA network.

Communications between the transceiver tower 12 and set-top box 34 ismade possible using an aircard 72, such as a Type-II PCMCIA card. PCMCIAaircard 72 taps set-top box 34 into high speed wireless. As alreadydiscussed above, such cards have conventionally been used to wirelesslyenable laptops and hand helds via an enhanced wireless network, e.g.CDMA. Here, aircard 72 is being used to make set-top box 34 CDMAcapable.

Aircard 72 is physically connected into set-top box 34 by inserting itinto a Type II pin slot (not shown) which is provided on the set-top box34. Such a card is able to provide speed, always on access to the ,e-mail, etc. It also enables the user to receive voluminous packet datathrough streaming for downloading (or unsaved streaming). Aircards 72like PCMCIA card have a built-in antenna. The antenna is capable of bothtransmitting and receiving. One example of such a card is The PCSConnection Card™ manufactured and commercially available from SienaWireless (also called an AirCard 550). Numerous other examples couldalso be used that are commercially available and will be known to thoseskilled in the art.

Aircard 72 is shown in FIG. 3 as being already inserted into a Type IIslot (not pictured) in set-top box 34. Aircard 72 enables interfacingbetween a microcomputer 87 in set-top box 34 with the wireless serviceprovider through wireless signaling 35 a. Aircard 72 also allows thestreaming or downloading of audio/video content, e.g. video-on-demand.It will also enable internet access. It should be noted here that theinternals of set-top box 34 may vary significantly and that numerousother computing devices would likely be contained within any suchdevice. These however, would fall within the scope of one skilled in theart and, though omitted here, the addition of these components wouldlikely be evident to one skilled in the art.

Microcomputer 87 is the brains of set-top box 34. Like mostmicrocomputers, microcomputer 87 includes, at a minimum, a memorycomponent 78 and a processing component 90. Memory component 78 may beused to store movies and other desired data. Alternatively, other memorycomponents could be used which are foreign to microcomputer 87. Forexample, a separate drive might even be included in set-top box 34 whichwould be able to store large numbers of MPEG files. Here, however, forthe sake of simplicity a single memory component 78 has beenillustrated.

When video programming is streamed into set-top box 34 via aircard 72,it may be simultaneously viewed, or downloaded into memory component 78for later use. In order for the digital MPEG to be viewed on a standardtelevision, it must be acted on by a video component 74. Video component74 may be what is referred to as a video card. It takes digitalinformation included in the MPEG and assign it pixels, etc. to develop amoving picture which is viewable on a computer monitor or other likedisplay.

Computer video is not automatically visible on a standard television,however, because the two have different scanning rates (the rate atwhich the screens are refreshed). Therefore, a scan converter 77 isnecessary to convert the computer scan rate to the television rate. Scanconverters 77 are well known in the art and readily available to be usedfor the purpose of converting computer video to television video. Scanconverter 77 contains both analog and digital circuitry. This circuitryis used to transform the standard digital computer signals into the moredomestically usable analog signals. TVs, VCRs, and DVDs all operate onanalog. Thus, a scan converter here is also being used as a decoder,decoding the digital signal introduced into an analog signal 79 which isusable within the residence.

Analog signal 79 which is received through aircard 72 over the CDMAnetwork and analog signal 65 which is received from the satellitereceiving antenna 60, enter into the same information channel. To do so,they are combined into one line of communication by the junction 66,which is also known as a combiner. This could simply be a T-junction, orperhaps a more sophisticated combining device. This is done so that oneoutlet can be provided on set-top box 34 which is accessible by acable/television network 68 which will include at least one television42.

When a user interfaces with the set-top box 34 using the keyboard 48 ormouse 50, that user will be able to view the interfacing which is takingplace over television 42—just as if it was a computer monitor. Theseinteractions will occur through a wireless PC interface 93 which isincluded in set-top box 34. This PC interface 93 will communicate withthe microcomputer 87 to control the set-top box 34. PC interface 93, inthe preferred embodiment is a home wireless networking arrangement.

Camera 44, keyboard 48, and mouse 50 are all included in this wirelessnetwork as different devices therein. PC interface 93, in the preferredembodiment, comprises a wireless networking card. These are available inthe market. The most common version is an 802.11b wireless networkingcard. For even faster performance, however, an 802.11g network enablingcard could be used. The setup of networks using cards like this will bereadily apparent to and known by one skilled in the art. These kinds ofnetworking arrangements are commonly referred to as “Wi-Fi” local areanetworks.

The establishment of such a network enables the interfacing devices 94,which include camera 44, keyboard 48, and mouse 50 with the computingdevices in set-top box 34 via wireless communication 95. Wi-Fi cards aretypically capable of operating at high speeds such that performance willnot be impeded.

Referring now back to FIG. 1 we see that a user with an identical secondset-top box 38 in a different or second location 39 may maintain videophone communications with the user at a different location of set-topbox 34. For example, the user at the provider location 26 of set-top box34 may have a friend that resides in second location 39 with which theuser wants to keep in touch. Video communications would be possibleusing system 10. This would be possible because each user would have acamera, like camera 44 in FIG. 2, with a wireless connection to each ofset-top boxes 34 and 38. They could communicate via wireless IP with oneanother directly through the wireless support facilities 11. Withrespect to the friend's second set-top box 38 at second location 39,this would occur through a digital wireless signal 36 which would bereceived through transceiver tower 12 and communicated into supportfacilities 11 and then transmitted to the user of set-top box 34 viawireless signaling 35 a.

The user of second set-top box 38 (“friend”) would also have all theother advantages provided to the user of set-top box 34, such asvideo-on-demand, satellite, and internet access. Again, like withset-top box 34, second set-top box 38 would not be terrestriallydependent at all.

As can be seen from the above, the present invention and its equivalentsare well adapted to provide a new and useful method of and system fordelivering audio/video content to an end user using a set-top unit. Manydifferent arrangements of the various components depicted, as well ascomponents not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

The present invention has been described in relation to particularembodiments, which are intended in all respects, to be illustrativerather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent tothose skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. Manyalternative embodiments exist but are not included because of the natureof this invention. For example, one skilled in the art will recognizethat the aircard 72 might be performed to also conduct all of thewireless PC interfacing done by PC interface 93. Interfacing devices 94,which include camera 44, keyboard 48, and mouse 50 could be adapted tobe patched in through aircard 72 such that a separate interface wouldnot be necessary. Here though, the present invention has been set upwith two interfaces so that it would be more economically feasible andmore practical. A skilled artisan could develop alternative means ofimplementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from thescope of the invention.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and maybe employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claimsbelow. Not all steps listed in the various figures or described aboveneed be carried out in the specific order described.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A multiple network service system,comprising: a satellite service component for receiving a satellitedownlink signal; a wireless IP component, comprising a wireless modemfor sending and receiving a wireless signal via a wireless network,wherein the wireless signal is received from a transceiver tower via thewireless modem; an Internet component; a set-top box for receiving thesatellite downlink signal, the wireless signal, and data from theInternet component; a microcomputer for controlling the set-top box; anda television networking arrangement for serving audio and video contentvia the set-top box.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless IPcomponent enables interfacing between the microcomputer and an IPwireless service provider.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein thewireless IP component enables streaming of the audio and video content.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless IP component enablesaccess to the Internet component.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thewireless modem comprises an aircard.
 6. The system of claim 1, whereinthe wireless network comprises a code division multiple access (CDMA)network.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the computing interfacecomprises a wireless networking card.
 8. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a junction device for combining multiple signals to bedelivered to the television networking arrangement.
 9. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: a computing interface for interfacingexternal computer accessories with the microcomputer.
 10. The system ofclaim 9, further comprising: real-time communication between a localuser of the multiple network service system and a remote user of asecond multiple network service system.
 11. The system of claim 10,wherein the real-time communication comprises sharing the audio andvideo content between the local user and the remote user.
 12. The systemof claim 10, wherein the real-time communication comprises a videoconferencing arrangement.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein thecomputing interface and the wireless modem comprise a singular wirelessinterface.
 14. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media havingcomputer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed bya computing device, facilitate a method of providing multiple networkservices, the method comprising: receiving a downlink satellite signalinto a set-top box system; receiving a wireless IP signal from atransceiver tower into the set-top box system; receiving data via anInternet connection into the set-top box system; serving audio and videocontent from the downlink satellite signal, the wireless signal, and theInternet connection via the set-top box system; and receiving a wirelessIP signal from a user in a remote location into the set-top box system.15. The media of claim 14, further comprising receiving a videocommunication into the set-top box system from a remote set-top boxsystem.
 16. The media of claim 15, wherein the receiving a videocommunication comprises real-time communication between a first user ofthe set-top box system and a second user of the remote set-top boxsystem.
 17. The media of claim 14, further comprising transmitting videoprogramming to a user device.
 18. A method of providing multiple networkservices, comprising: receiving a downlink satellite signal into aset-top box system comprising a set-top box; receiving a wireless IPsignal from a transceiver tower into the set-top box system; receivingdata via an Internet connection into the set-top box system; servingaudio and video content from the downlink satellite signal, the wirelesssignal, and the Internet connection via the set-top box system; andreceiving a wireless IP signal from a user in a remote location into theset-top box system.